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PFLX: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

PFLX - General Information

A synthetic broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent active against most gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of PFLX

PFLX is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Flouroquinolones such as pefloxacin possess excellent activity against gram-negative aerobic bacteria such as E.coli and Neisseria gonorrhoea as well as gram-positive bacteria including S. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. They also posses effective activity against shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, gonococcal organisms, and multi drug resistant pseudomonas and enterobacter.

 

Additional information about PFLX

PFLX Indication

For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in males and for gram-negative-bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal system and the genitourinary tract.

Mechanism Of Action
The bactericidal action of pefloxacin results from interference with the activity of the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed for the transcription and replication of bacterial DNA. DNA gyrase appears to be the primary quinolone target for gram-negative bacteria. Topoisomerase IV appears to be the preferential target in gram-positive organisms. Interference with these two topoisomerases results in strand breakage of the bacterial chromosome, supercoiling, and resealing. As a result DNA replication and transcription is inhibited.
Generic Name
Pefloxacin
Drug Category
Anti-Infective Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Pefloxacin
PFLX; Pefloxacin mesylate; Pefloxacin methanesulfonate; Pefloxacin [Inn-French]; Pefloxacine; Pefloxacino [Inn-Spanish]; Pefloxacinum [Inn-Latin];
Absorption
Well absorbed by the oral route.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Adverse reactions include peripheral neuropathy, nervousness, agitation, anxiety, and phototoxic events (rash, itching, burning) due to sunlight exposure.
Protein Binding
20-30%
Biotransformation
Hepatic. Primary metabolites are pefloxacin N-oxide and norfloxacin.
Half Life
8.6 hours
Chemical IUPAC Name
1-ethyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid
Chemical Formula
C17H20FN3O3
Organisms Affected
Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria